December 1973 – Cole Field House Hosts Tennis Legend Billie Jean King

The University of Maryland has been the site for more than a few historic sporting events throughout its history. Of course there was the Queen’s Game of 1957, Queen Elizabeth’s first experience watching American football. Then there was the famous 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship game between Texas Western and Kentucky that took place in historic Cole Field House, the subject of the movie “Glory Road.” In 1972, there was even a famous international ping pong exchange held in Cole between the United States and China which caused national controversy and attention.

Just recently though, we stumbled upon yet another historic sporting event that took place on campus, one unknown to us previously. On December 15, 1973, Billie Jean King played a tennis match against Lorri Fleming in Cole Field House. The match was an exhibition, and proceeds went to charity. The men’s pairing of Laver and Emerson added to the excitement of the evening.